On March 20th, 2008, Mayor Vance Trively, of Randolph, Iowa passed a resolution placing a $5 bounty on all stray/feral cats in the city. The animals were to be rounded up, turned in, and euthanized. The town was experiencing a problem with feral cats and they did not know what to do or where to turn. Thoughts were to poison or shoot the animals. In an effort to treat them in a more humane manner, the mayor decided euthanasia at a vet clinic would be the best option.
When a group of animal lovers heard about the problem, they were quick to contact the mayor to negotiate a solution in which the animals did not have to die. Best Friends, a nationally renowned animal welfare group from Utah, spearheaded the operation and sent a representative to meet with the mayor, Hearts United for Animals, Feline Friendz, Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary and Rescue, Animal Protection and Education, and Alley Cat Allies. With the help of all of the groups working together, and the grateful cooperation of the mayor, a plan was quickly formulated. Beginning the first week in April an extensive operation to trap, spay/neuter and release the feral cats will commence. Hearts United will be the first to receive cats. HUA will spay/neuter, vaccinate and provide other needed health care for approximately 60 of the estimated 7 to 10 dozen cats. Other vet clinics and groups in the area will also provide services if needed. Partial funding is coming through Best Friends, however donations from the public are still needed. The entire effort is estimated to cost approximately $10,000.
Once altered, the cats will return home to Randolph, where colonies will be set up and the townspeople will pitch in to feed and water them. Any cats or kittens deemed young and friendly enough to become family pets will be fostered by Feline Friendz and put up for adoption. HUA and Animal Protection and Education will also stand ready to help all townspeople who wish to have their personal pets altered and micro-chipped. This massive cooperative effort will alleviate future unwanted cats in Randolph.
The Hearts United for Animals Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic has been in operation since late 2003 and has altered over 4,000 animals in a 4-state area. At a cost of $25 per animal, or less in extreme hardship cases, the HUA clinic has prevented suffering and helped the animals to lead happier, healthier lives.
We are so happy to be part of the solution in Randolph, Iowa.
A special thank you from HUA and the cats of Randolph, to all of you who are supporting this mission of mercy.
Congratulations to the town of Randolph for taking a bad situation and turning it into a great outcome for everyone!
Hearts United for Animals is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization. Your contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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